Firm is ‘roaring’ to go if bid succeeds

Company is all set to steamroll ahead with funds for town

Paisley firm Mac Asphalt is rolling into action to show its support for the town’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid.

The family business, which is run by father- and-son team Thomas and Jamie Crumlish, is following in the footsteps of firms such as Glasgow Airport, intu Braehead and Coats Group PLC.

These companies – among others – have pledged funding if the bid is successful, with the result expected in December.

Paisley lodged its final second-stage bid with the UK Government’s department for culture, media and sport on September 29.

The town is bidding for the title as part of wider plans to use its unique cultural and heritage story to transform its future.

Mac Asphalt managing director Jamie said the firm’s own strong Paisley roots means they want to give something back.

The company has been operating out of its Wallneuk Street base for more than two decades and has 78 employees, with a turnover of £12 million.

The highway maintenance and civil engineering firm’s fleet includes rollers, pavers, mechanical road sweepers, and tippers.

Jamie, 38, said: “We’re a Renfrewshire company that employs Renfrewshire people and it’s important for the town to do well.

“We do a lot of work in Paisley and it supplies quite a bit of our revenue. We are a Paisley family and I grew up and still live here.

“I think it’s important for us to give something back and we wanted to be part of the bid.

“The UK City of Culture bid is excellent and it’s long overdue.

“You can see the effort that’s gone into all the events to showcase what Paisley has in terms of architecture and culture.”

Jamie believes that winning the title could help transform the fortunes of the area.

He added: “The last big thing I can remember is the celebrations to mark Paisley’s 500th anniversary in 1988.

“I was a kid at school and you got a special pencil set to mark it.

“That’s the nearest thing to the UK City of Culture bid I’ve seen in 30 odd years.

“The kids who are at school now will be excited about what’s going on and what’s to come.

“I think it’s important for the local economy because we are an area with a lot of deprivation.

“We’ve got all this infrastructure around us in terms of the airport and really impressive buildings.

“It’s a great wee town but I think maybe we’ve just not asked for help before.”

The firm has already previously shown its commitment to giving something back when it bought no less than six of the Paisley First lions at a fundraising event.

Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “We’ve had incredible backing from the community and from local businesses and we’re thrilled to add Mac Asphalt to the list.

“A winning bid would bring vast economic and cultural benefits not just throughout Paisley and Renfrewshire, but nationwide.”

You can see the Paisley 2021 business wall and find out more about the bid at paisley2021.co.uk